Prince Harry and Meghan were taken by surprise by a letter sent on behalf of King Charles reaffirming that they are no longer working members of the royal family and will continue to be regarded as private citizens, a spokesperson for the couple said.
The clarification came after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex returned to Britain last month with their two children, six years after stepping back from royal duties and relocating to the United States amid strained and sometimes awkward relations with the royal family.
The letter made clear that their move back to Britain does not alter their position within the monarchy.
“It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. … The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity,” it said.
“In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests.”
Harry and Meghan have remained prominent public figures since leaving Britain, frequently drawing attention through their criticism of aspects of royal life, the tabloid media and the British government’s handling of Harry’s security arrangements.
Harry has accused members of the royal family of neglect, said the tabloid press had damaged his life and challenged the lack of automatic police protection that he argued was necessary for him to return safely to Britain.
A committee responsible for determining publicly funded security arrangements is expected to meet this week to decide what level of protection Harry should receive following the family’s return to Britain.
Since stepping away from official royal duties, the Sussexes have also developed commercial ventures alongside their charitable work. The couple have secured several business deals, including a high-profile agreement with streaming giant Netflix, while Meghan has launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever.
